The Daily Signal, like most conservatives, raises concerns regarding President Trump’s proposed budget.  Romina Boccia, deputy director of the Thomas A. Roe Institute at The Heritage Foundation, called the budget a “mixed bag.”  Ms. Boccia said this, “The president’s budget makes progress by investing in the military, eliminating numerous ineffective agencies and programs, and beginning the process of welfare and entitlement reform. However, the budget fails to balance, ever, and does not sufficiently move the country away from its currently unsustainable fiscal path.”   Time will tell what happens with his proposal. PBS is naturally upset, but cutting PBS from the budget, makes many conservatives cheer. 

Here is another topic that makes conservatives cheer;  Reforming The Bureaucracy: How Trump Is Taming The Leviathan.  

Trump’s Justice Department reverses Obama stance on requiring union dues. 

Dossier’s 10 core collusion accusations remain unverified 20 months later. 

Liberty Counsel explains how AG Eric Schneiderman is opposed to the First Amendment.  AG Schneiderman is also so very wrong on this. 

From Punching Bag Media, Larry Horist opines on how politicians give “constitutional crisis” a bad name.

Monica Crowley opines in The Hill that federal abuses on Obama’s watch represent a growing blight on his legacy. 

Robert Knight opines on free money and pigeons.

Jonathan S. Tobin gives some in the media (and others) good advice:  Stop pretending the Olympics are about world peace.    The Daily Signal has this to say regarding the media obsession of North Korea and the Olympics:  In 7 Tweets, the Media’s Strange, Glowing Coverage of North Korea at Olympics.   

Don’t you wish you had a job that you didn’t have to show up for and still get paid.  As taxpayers, who pay her salary, we should all be outraged.

Errol Lewis does not believe unpleasant truths should be ignored, especially when some chose to make a hero out of people who committed crimes that make them eligible for deportation.

Herb Stupp presents a good argument against congestion pricing. 

All I will say about this, is that his parents, while not supportive of his run, certainly raised him to think for himself.   Kudos for that!

Former President Barack Obama backs a group led by, former AG Eric Holder (one of his favorite side-kicks) that has raised $11 million – of the $30 million planned on to target republicans in 12 states. Progressives storm Democratic primaries.   In case you had any doubt, Chris Buskirk, publisher and editor of American Greatness, explains that the ruling class (really does) hate you. 

Devin Nunes wants ‘ridiculous’ Democratic memo released.

There are sanctuary cities, sanctuary counties, and sanctuary churches, be prepared for sanctuary unions as the NY Teamsters are getting schooled in on their rights under U.S. law.

Gov. Cuomo wants won’t or can’t (for fear of upsetting his progressive base) take a stand on fare-beating.    The Beat has more on fare-beating here.

Michael Goodwin peals back the layers of Hillary’s deceit.  As you digest Hillary’s deceit, remember this in November :  Kirsten Gillibrand on Hillary Clinton: She is ‘my greatest role model in politics’  

Oh my…President Donald J. Trump has to learn how to drain the swamp better and not be fooled by DC lobbyists and their friends in Congress. 

Just when you think President Trump may have  caved in, he does this:  President Trump’s2019  budget proposal seeks to cut 22 agencies and/or programs, so maybe, just maybe, he does have the upper hand . 

Scott Greer, deputy editor of the Daily Caller has a good article on immigration. 

The Nanny State legislators rear their ugly heads again.

Here is another example of how the elites harm rather than help ordinary citizens. 

NY’s obscene, pro-union ‘prevailing wage’ law is driving public-project costs sky high. 

It’s an arrogant culture that aborts DS children. 

There are two schools of thought about President Trump’s idea for a military parade – that it is long overdue, and that it’s unneeded. What do you think: Should there be a military parade to show America’s strength and power?  That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll.

There is little doubt that our military needs more funding – and there is plenty of federal spending that is not needed, from Planned Parenthood subsidies to foreign aid to hostile nations. What do you think is the FIRST federal spending item that should be cut to free up more money for America’s military might?

Unfortunately, government just keeps getting bigger and more expensive – that’s “bipartisanship,” in a nutshell. 

Nancy Pelosi’s “filibuster” stunt made the news this week. She is as hypocritical as ever when it comes to “the children,” and she’s just as out-of-touch as ever, too. Many saw the speech as helping Republicans – and some just found it plain boring. 

How would you describe Nancy Pelosi’s marathon speech on the House floor in defense of so-called “Dreamers” who want amnesty?  That’s the third and final question in our new Weekly Poll. 

Other news items this week: It’s becoming clear that the Democrats’ FISA abuse could be worse than Watergate. After President Trump’s tax cuts, tax revenues are soaring. Marijuana legalization is a “gateway drug” to gun control. And guess what? Hillary is still bitter about losing the White House. 

Have a great weekend!

Andrew McCarthy has a lengthy, but, very informative column in National Review on the much-ballyhooed email of Lisa Page. Here is how the Washington Times reports on the controversy.   Ben Shapiro covers the emails this way.

Guy Benson opines on this:  WSJ Columnist: Why is the Media Ignoring the Real Bombshell FISA Memo?

Victor Davis Hanson opines that FISA-Gate Is Scarier Than Watergate. 

Former AG Eric Holder is missing the spotlight which forces him to make ridiculous statements like this and this one also. 

Nicole Gelinas opines on the major issue plaguing accident-prone Amtrak. 

Betsy McCaughey thinks It’s time to put America’s health first.

This isn’t good news for taxpayers, especially if it cannot be recouped.  It just proves, once again, that government is too big and to involved in our lives.   

The Daily Signal gives us 5 things to know about Congress’s latest budget-busting deal. 

Why does it have to be this way? Maybe the better question would be, how do they keep getting away with incendiary rhetoric?   Democratic presidential aspirants unleash incendiary rhetoric in race to left.  

Kudos to Sen. Helming introducing and passing this bill; now is the time to pressure the Assembly to do the same. 

The left is still surprised by common-sense  economics:  Go Figure: Tax Revenues Climbed $18 Billion In First Month Of GOP Tax Cuts, but fiscal conservatives are not. 

Laura Hollis asks what’s going on at the Vatican?  Good question, better answers.

After taking a “hit” for allowing, make that encouraging,  the government to close down, Sen. Schumer is trying to capture good press by releasing some of the highlights of the proposed two year deal.  Syracuse.com has more here.

Tucker Carlson makes us aware of what Google wants from us.  

According to PoliticoNewYork, taxpayers in NYS have shelled out over $6 million in the last 6 years to settle sexual harassment or gender discrimination complaints…that we know about.  The amount of money is outrageous.  The article is comprehensive and detailed.  “In Albany, lawmakers of both parties have proposed legislation that would restrict confidential settlements, end forced arbitration clauses and in some instances make elected officials or supervisors personally liable for any harassment awards.”  If they are serious about ending sexual harassment or gender discrimination complaints, make the person responsible personally responsible for any monetary settlement…NOT TAXPAYERS!  Let see how serious they really are.  The House deserves credit for passing  this bill, hopefully,  the US Senate will.  However, I am not as optimistic that the NYS Legislature will do the same.   

It looks like the main stream media is taking a little more of an interest in the Joe Percoco trial.  Karen Dewitt filed this report for WRVO,  Syracuse.com has this column and Tom Precious had this in the Buffalo News.  The NY Post lets us know – if we didn’t already – about Gov. Cuomo’s love of vintage Corvettes and Joe Percoco’s need for cash and according to Howe, how Percoco became involved in minutiae.    

The “do-gooders” of our politically correct world are taking simple pleasures that we used to be able to enjoy by their experience and making life miserable by twisting the meaning of being all inclusive and letting the best person be the star of the show. 

Shola Olatoye, the head of the NYC Housing Authority, is clearly not a student of history…and obviously does not adhere to the President Truman’s famous quote, “The buck stops here.”

The Daily Signal reminds us that the only misleading claim about voter fraud is that it doesn’t exist. 

Of course, Michael Goodwin is right on both points; de Blasio has to go, now and it will never happen. 

Now this is extraordinary news:  A California Court upholds a bakers’ right to not bake a cake.  While the decision is not final, and a similar case is being argued in the US Supreme Court, it is still a stunning decision in the hyper politically correct world we life in today. 

Wise words in today’s Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

Happy 107th birthday Ronald Reagan!  Oh, if only you were still with us, we could expect to see the great communicator on our televisions comforting us while standing strong, maybe even tweeting.  Your wisdom and love of our country was evident and respected by all.  President Trump is doing all his best to make America great again, but, he has a way to go before he can stand in his shoes.

Speaking of our heroes, the  Honorable James L. Buckley opines in National Review on how to preserve our Republic while government expands.

Ed Feulner writes in the Washington Times about a rising tide of economic freedom.

Richard W. Rahn points out the differences between two countries economic freedoms and the wisdom of our Founding Fathers in creating a federal republic rather than an unbridled democracy.

Cuomo Opponent Seeks Hearing On Controversial Tourism Signs.

Americans should listen to him — Farage on UK Health Care Protests: Immigration Policies Causing ‘Population Crisis’. 

Remember, Gregg Jarrett, is a lawyer —  Method of Obtaining FISA Warrant ‘The Definition of Government Corruption’.

Rich Lowry opines in the NY Post on the left’s wild fantasies about finding crimes to topple Trump. 

PoliticoNewYork is at the Joe Percoco trial every day; here is the latest.  Syracuse.com explains how Todd Howe, a central figure in the trial, who used to earn $750,000 as an Albany lobbyist, is now mowing lawns at an Idaho golf course. 

New Yorkers are paying the bill for de Blasio’s moral lapses.   (Unfortunately, his are not the only ones we are paying.)

Stephen Moore opines on why liberals root against liberals. 

The National Catholic Register has a moving tribute to a gentleman who spoke at our annual CPPAC just 3 years ago and left an impression with us that will always be a standard to emulate.  J. J. Hanson, taught us that every moment we are here on earth is special, no matter what we face. His zest for life and his ability to share with strangers how important life is, is a lesson we will never forget.  We thank Kathleen Gallagher, a favorite every year at CPPAC, for introducing us to J. J. Hanson, and share her and his family’s loss, as J. J. Hanson is at peace watching over his loving family.  Thank you, Kristen, and Kathleen for sharing J. J., a remarkable loving husband and father.  Rest in Peace, J. J. Hanson, you fulfilled your job here with the courage of your convictions and love of living every moment you were given.  The world would be a better place if more people were like J. J. Hanson. 

People make choices, some good, some wrong. 

In this case, both principals are making the wrong decisions. 

More wrong choices by those who should know the consequences of their decisions.  As Assemblywoman Malliotakis states “When laws that are on the books are not enforced, the end result is more lawlessness and increased disregard for the NYPD and their mission.”

Then there is this really bad idea.  With Progressives pushing such punishing taxes, is it any wonder that Florida is  ready to take in New Yorkers seeking tax shelter. 

E, J. McMahon points out the problems with “prevailing wages.”

Faso’s scaffold bill moves closer to House vote.  

The Gatestone Institute lays out the cost of illegal immigration.

Frank Vernuccio opines in Townhall.com on the impact of immigrants on state Medicaid budgets.

Chele Chiavacci Farley – announced US Senate candidate — made national news on Sunday when she ripped Senator Gillibrand: Her ‘greatest success is self-promotion’ on the John Catsimatidis radio show.  Here is the NY Daily News article on the same subject. 

LOVETT: State Senate Republican’s run for governor could disrupt budget talks. 

Robert Knight, writing in the Washington Times, explains why government must be tamed.   Charles Hurt, writing in the same paper, explains how Trump the orator outlines the greatness of America to Democrats’ disgust. 

Clinton Associates Fed Info to Dossier Author Chris Steele, According to Criminal Referral. 

This proposal is so bizarre, I am at a loss as to where I should file it.  

President Trump delivered a powerful State of the Union address this week that illustrated how his so-called “nationalism” is in fact a unifying force for all Americans who love their country – and a way forward for the GOP. 

You can read the President’s full speech here – I have pulled some of my favorite quotes for our first Weekly Poll question. Which do you think is most powerful? 

The speech was also packed with ideas – some that I agree with, and some that I don’t. Which do you think is his best proposal? That’s the second question in our new Weekly Poll.

More than anything, President Trump’s speech was from the heart, and it was the back-to-the-future Democrats’ worst nightmare. Whether they were being bitter, stone-faced or simply couldn’t be bothered, the liberals dug themselves into a hole as the President spoke. Makes you wonder about those predictions of a 2018 Democratic wave election.

What word do you think best describes the Democrats’ sullen reaction to President Trumps’ State of the Union address? That’s the third and final question in our new Weekly Poll. 

As the economy booms and paychecks expand thanks to the Trump tax cuts, the Democrats are… threatening to repeal those very tax cuts, and dismissing workers’ hard-earned money as “crumbs.”  Our very own Andrew Cuomo is suing the federal government to protect New York’s high taxes. Talk about a #TaxScam! 

Meanwhile New York’s taxpayers have been fined $14 million thanks to Cuomo’s “I Heart NY” vanity project. And as usual, it’s full-spend-ahead for New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.   

I know the big story this week has been “the memo,” but if I try to post anything it will likely be obsolete before anyone gets a chance to read it. The New York Post does have an interesting look at where the scandal all began – you can read it here.

Have a great weekend!

Chele Chiavacci Farley makes it official today with this statement.  Mrs. Farley is running, to represent us, in the US Senate.  Chele Chiavacci Farley was very well received when she spoke at our 51st Annual CPPAC this past Sunday and Monday.  Watch Mrs. Farley’s introductory campaign video here and follow her campaign at www.CheleFarleyForSenate.com. The NY Daily News ran this article in today’s paper and State of Politics ran this column.  

Wasn’t it impressive to hear our president say “we” in the State of the Union Address  and not the “I” we heard for the last 8 years.

David French opines  in National Review on what the New York Times got wrong on conscience.

This will get your blood boiling — All inmates in New York State prisons will get free tablets.  A Florida company will provide the inmates with tablets – sans internet – but with email to cleared family and educational information.  The article says “no state funds will go towards the tablets” after it just explained that the company has a contract with New York State.  Well, who pays the contractual arrangement – the men on mars?  Will government do anything possible to pull the wool over taxpayers’ eyes?  Stop with the misrepresentation…our tax dollars are being used!

The latest on the Joe Percoco  (Governor Andrew Cuomo’s aide) trial. 

If Unions are drafting and editing legislation, why are taxpayers paying city council members?  This is just one exposure, rest assured, if one digs there will be many found.    Ethics reform anyone? 

It looks like “the memo” will be released tomorrow.  Then again, it may not be. 

PolitiFact hired who as a fact-checker?  It was difficult to believe them before, now that they hired this person, one might as well never accept what they check. 

Maybe Congress should pass a new rule that requires smart phones to be left outside of the chambers.   

The Night the Democratic Party Committed Political Suicide. 

The President’s State of the Union Address can be read here. 

The Heritage Foundation did some fact checking of his speech; read their results here.  They also did an in-depth analysis of his proposals that you can read here.

It was disappointing to watch some members sitting stone faced when President Trump touted the lowest black unemployment rate ever and other accomplishments that make life better for Americans. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich also had some thoughts on the President’s address. 

Personally, his defense of American being dreamers too, is the line, I believe, will resonate, and be remembered.  This was also a quintessential moment of the President’s address.

Sadly, what will also be remembered is Congressman Gutierrez storming out and flaunting lawlessness in the Capitol.

This is not a solution, in fact, it only encourages drug addiction while sending the wrong message. 

Joseph Curl opines in the Washington Times on the unraveling of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. 

Sen. Schumer says the President’s address “stoked the fires of division”.  Didn’t he really mean Joseph Kennedy III speech stoked the fires of division!  Matt Vespa opines on the rising democratic star here. 

State Precluded From Spending $100 Million on Civil Legal Needs of Low-Income People.

Chairman Long had a few words to say about state judges interfering with law enforcement officials in courthouses.   

Sen. John DeFrancisco makes it official.  See what Chairman Mike Long had to say in this New York Times piece.   

In case you missed Chairman Long on Capital Tonight, you can watch it here – if you have a Spectrum News ID. 

I agree wholeheartedly with John Kelly!

The NY Post opines on the Joe Percoco trial.  Politico is covering the trial in depth. 

Maybe NYSUT needs a refresher course on math — where do they expect this money to come from when NY is already deeply in debt. 

The only-in-New-York law that’s death on affordable housing. 

Seriously, is anyone surprised that a memo that appears to fault the higher-ups in the FBI would  condemn the release of the memo in rare statement.  

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

The 51st Conference was an upbeat success, thanks to everyone who attended and to our speakers who were certainly motivating during their presentations and mixing with the audience throughout the conference.  Two of our speakers, Corey Lewandowski and Larry Kudlow, were called to Washington, DC to meet with President Donald J. Trump to discuss tonight’s State of the Union Address.   While we may have been a little disappointed, we are proud that two of our featured speakers — and their expertise –were requested by President Trump.    

We are also very appreciative that Governor George E. Pataki stopped by at our luncheon and gave a rousing speech that really energized the troops. 

We had breaking news during our conference:  Carl Paladino said he would not run for governor  this year; Assembly Republican Leader Brian Kolb is said he would run on the Conservative Party line, if he was unable to get on the Republican line and  Senator John DeFrancisco  set the stage for his official announcement later today. Here is how Sen. DE Francisco’s local paper covered is presentation.   Joseph Holland was also a presenter, as well as others looking to possibly run and serve their country and state.  E. J. McMahon, always willing to share his knowledge, has his latest thoughts on SALT in the City Journal.

Why aren’t the two comptrollers’ — Scott Stringer (NYC) and Thomas DiNapoli (NYS) — auditing the MTA for ways to be more fiscally responsible?  The latest attempt to take even more of your money by Governor Andrew Cuomo is outrageous!

Is New York on Its Way to Legalizing Marijuana?  If anyone thinks that Gov. Cuomo’s included funding to conduct a study in conjunction with state agencies to look at the health, economic and criminal justice effects of legalizing marijuana, will stop the legalization of recreational marijuana must be partaking of pot presently. 

This is an excellent article  — When the Constitution is a “buzz-kill” that one should take the time to read – and use against those partaking of pot presently. 

Reprehensible! I do not understand how a woman who has carried a child to birth could have voted against this bill.  Actually, I do not understand how anyone could vote against this bill.  Democrats stopped the bill, are you proud of your party, Senator Schumer, and Senator Gillibrand?  It is time for New York to have a Senator that represents us.  

Senator Schumer and his democrats are willing to sell out Americans for a few more votes.

The problem with this is that Andrew McCabe keeps his pension.

State of the Union boycotts are divisive, dumb.  

Losing the love:  Obama’s presidential library ripped as ‘ugly waste of taxpayer resources’ by Chicagoans.  

We will not say, I told you so, but we did:  Cuomo’s casinos are now cannibals. 

Governor Cuomo may call a special election to fill 11 vacancies for April 24, 2018.

Be sure to watch Chairman Long on Capital Tonight this evening at 8:00 PM on Spectrum News, repeated at 11:30 PM.

President Trump delivered a rousing speech today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, declaring that America is once again “open for business” and that “America First does not mean America alone.” 

You can read the full text here. For the first question in our new Weekly Poll, I’ve highlighted what I think are some of the most powerful quotes from the President’s speech – which one is your favorite? I hope you’ll vote today.

I’m sure Trump campaign guru Corey Lewandowski will have plenty to say about this at our 51st Annual CPPAC, which gets underway on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, an estimated 3 million Americans are receiving bonuses thanks to the Trump tax cuts, and it’s no wonder that tax relief is gaining in popularity. But Nancy Pelosi, who of course cherishes her own vast fortune, continues to dismiss an extra $1,000 for hardworking Americans as mere “crumbs.” Liberals like Chuck Schumer are joining in on this spin, even though the Democrats once heralded an Obama-Era tax cut that gave workers… an extra $40 in their paychecks. 

Hopefully some of our Wrap-Up readers are the recipients of these bonuses, but I think we all know the value of a dollar. My second Weekly Poll question for you is this: What would you do with an extra $1,000? I look forward to seeing the answers. 

Speaking of Obama double standards… this week we saw another example of the media’s protection racket surrounding our 44th president, as a 2005 photo of a smiling Barack Obama with the loathsome Louis Farrakhan was released by a journalist who says he kept the image hidden until now because it might have hurt Obama’s political rise.  

Something else that was kept secret – the admitted bribing of Mayor Bill de Blasio. The briber is busted, but will the “bribee” ever face justice?

Time and again, the elites all look out for each other, as we saw in Obama’s protection of Hillary Clinton and in the simmering FBI scandal. There’s no accountability and increasingly, no trust. “What a mess,” as the New York Post succinctly puts it.

Bad news this week for New York Democrats seeking to restore Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker – one of their top recruits has bowed out of a closely-watched House race, and may undermine the party even more by taking on Andrew Cuomo. 

Despite the media’s gloom-and-doom narrative for conservatives in the 2018 elections, the midterm outlook might be better than you think for the GOP – and it might even be a good year for the Republican Senate Majority. 

What’s your early take on the 2018 midterm elections – do you foresee a Pelosi victory, conservative gains or the status quo? Tell me what you’re thinking right now – that’s the third and final question in our new Weekly Poll. 

And have a great weekend!